Can ginger be used for alopecia areata?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Applying ginger to the localized skin of alopecia areata can stimulate hair follicle growth and improve local blood circulation, which has a certain effect in treating alopecia areata. However, it is generally only limited to patients with relatively mild symptoms, smaller areas of hair loss, or a shorter duration of the condition. If the duration of the actual alopecia areata is long, or the patch area is large, it is advisable to seek formal treatment at a regular medical institution. This condition also relates to personal diet and lifestyle habits. It's important to exercise regularly, strengthen immunity, avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from frequently perming or dyeing hair, or using aggressive styling products like hair gels or creams. Generally, as long as treatment is adhered to, it is possible to be completely cured.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What are the causes of alopecia areata?

The causes of alopecia areata are numerous, and the contributing factors may vary from person to person. Decreased immunity, frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, poor mood, or long-term drinking and smoking, consuming spicy or strongly flavored foods, and lack of vitamins and trace elements, as well as local injuries, or frequent occurrences of folliculitis, abscesses, and cysts are all primary factors. Only a small number of cases may be related to genetics. Once diagnosed, it is essential to seek treatment from reputable medical institutions. Follicular tests can also be conducted to check for atrophy or necrosis. Generally, with persistent treatment, it is entirely curable.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can alopecia areata dye hair?

There are many causes for alopecia areata, most of which are related to diet and lifestyle habits. For example, frequently being picky about food, having an unbalanced diet, or consuming spicy and heavily flavored foods can trigger it. Long-term staying up late, anxiety, stress, and being in a bad mood can also cause it. Once alopecia areata occurs, try to avoid dyeing or perming your hair, as these chemical materials can potentially irritate the scalp and exacerbate the condition. It is recommended to seek proper treatment immediately after discovery, otherwise the condition might worsen, leading to complete hair loss or loss of eyebrows. Regular consumption of beans and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule are also advised.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What should be paid attention to in daily life for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata has many causes and complex contributing factors, and each person's triggering elements differ. Besides seeking treatment from qualified medical institutions, it is crucial to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, overly salty or strongly flavored foods, as well as to refrain from staying up late, feeling anxious, stressed, or upset. It is essential to enhance physical exercise to boost immunity and to avoid using irritating hair products such as gels or conditioners, or frequently perming or dyeing the hair, as these do not aid in treatment. Another important aspect is the need for long-term and persistent treatment because the effects of treatment for this condition are very slow to manifest. A single treatment cycle requires at least three months, but with long-term commitment, it is entirely possible to achieve a complete cure.

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Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
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How long will it take for a patch of alopecia areata to grow back?

Alopecia areata, also known as "ghost shearing," primarily manifests as a sudden appearance of a bald patch on the scalp. The skin on the surface of the bald patch is smooth, and its hair follicles are not atrophied, so most of the hair can usually regrow. For typical cases of alopecia areata, where the affected area is not too large and not too widespread, if one pulls on the hair at the edge of the bald patch by hand after entering a stable phase, the hair is quite secure and not easily pulled out, indicating a negative hair pull test. After entering this stable phase, it is common for some fuzz or fine hair to appear within three to four months, eventually leading to the complete restoration of hair. However, in rare cases, alopecia areata can progressively worsen, increasing in area and potentially leading to total baldness, where all hair on the scalp falls out. This can also extend to alopecia universalis, where hair from other parts of the body is also lost.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does alopecia areata need treatment?

Alopecia areata is characterized by localized or patchy hair loss on the scalp. There are many causes for this condition, most of which are related to individual dietary habits and lifestyle. For instance, irregular meal times, malnutrition, or frequent consumption of spicy and stimulating foods can contribute to the condition. Additionally, staying up late, experiencing anxiety, tension, or overall poor mood can also lead to hair loss. In most cases, alopecia areata that appears for a short period can be treated through dietary adjustments. However, if the affected area is large, it is advisable to seek professional treatment at a dermatology department of a formal hospital; otherwise, the area of hair loss may continue to expand. If it progresses severely, it might lead to complete hair loss or even loss of eyebrows.